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Below: Based on 55ft modular vessels and sold as a two model set (one with sheeted load, the other with an exposed load), these Canal Barges from Model Art Miniatures will soon to be joined by a more modern extended cabin version.

New from Model Art Miniatures

Industrial model making company Model Art Studios (www.modelartstudios.co.uk) has announced the launch of new range of 1:76 scale waterline ships/boats, complementary buildings and harbour installation components. Developed and produced entirely in the UK, all the items in this Model Art Miniatures branded range will be made available in both kit and ready assembled/ pre-painted form.

As moulds are renewed, the certificates of authenticity issued with each product (in kit or finished form) will reflect the limited number and nature of each mould’s production run.

Model maker Duncan Howarth, whose career has spanned 35 years and encompassed countless commercial/industrial models and the publication of numerous subject-related books and magazine articles, explains: “Being an illustrator and industrial artist/designer I have always been captivated by scale models/dioramas, so being asked to collaborate on this completely new Model Art Miniatures range has been a privilege and a thrill.

“As a team we sat down and took a good hard look at precisely what, in this massmarket model economy, was missing. As a result, we came up with an extensive range of multi-media models compatible with dockside dioramas, OO/HO model railways and wargames.

Working with an almost ‘sepia’ colour palette, from original plans and a huge array of photographs, we’ve striven to produce products that not only replicate reality as closely as possible, within the boundaries of the production process, but which also capture the character/aura/essence of the vessels and scenarios portrayed.

“The Clyde Puffer will be available in several versions, from the initial 1860s’ converted ‘Gabbert Boat’ with simple steam engine on the rear deck, through a 1900s’ Crinan Canal Cruiser and a later War Department commissioned ‘VIC’ boat built before the advent of World War II. Component counts in our kits are deliberately kept low, so as to facilitate the less experienced, and sometimes younger model maker. There is, however, no compromise on quality or detail level.

“The Bristol Canal Tug, inspired by and based on the preserved Mayflower is a triumph of mould and master design, and typical of its type, in use from the 1850s up until the 1960s. It can be built in any one of three versions and only consists of ten parts, including separate bridge and mast components.

“Cast in the finest resin, our modular Canal Barges represent the first of our widening range and are based on 55 ft modular vessels. They come in a pack of two boats: one with a sheeted load, the other with an exposed (unsheeted) load of coal/aggregate. They are soon to be joined by a more modern extended cabin version.

“The Thames Barges, faithful representations of these iconic vessels, are produced in resin, cord and fine timber, and come in both 90 ft and 46 ft versions, both with sails deployed and furled. Currently in development, a Norfolk

‘Wherry’ is also now hot on their heels.

“The Canal Dredger and its ‘butty boat’ come as a set, with the option to rig for a ‘steam shovel’ type configuration or as a ‘drag-line’ boat. An optional ‘dredged’ load is also provided as an insert for the ‘butty’.

“Alongside this boat range, and complementary to them, we now provide a burgeoning range of stone and brick bridges, lock gates/stone caissons and canal/harbour walls.

“All models are to be completed at our installation in the heart of the Potteries. This area, with its ancient creative ethos, has provided the inspiration for the first Pottery Factory model ever produced in 1:76 scale: our ‘Three Sisters’ Bottle-Kiln installation kit. Along with its ‘Factory extension’ add-on, this makes either an incredible ‘stand-alone’ diorama or a stunning addition to any model harbour or railway layout.

“Also currently in development are a brewery, cotton mill, watermill, modern recycling centre with all necessary machinery, and a gigantic range of dock and harbourside accessories.

“Special building/painting commissions can be undertaken by prior arrangement.”

To view the full and extended range of boats and associated objects produced, along with private and commercial commissions undertaken, visit www.modelartstudios.co.uk or Model Art Miniatures on Facebook